New Mobility: Accessible Parking Abuse

 

April 22, 2026 - View in browser

AIR TRAVEL Testing Two New Seat Designs That Will Let You Fly in Your Wheelchair John Morris travels to the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Germany to test two new in-cabin seating systems. He found the designs functional for his Permobil F3 and he even got Airbus to answer one all-important question: When will we start seeing these systems on actual flights? ACCESSIBLE PARKING ABUSE A Malpractice Case Against ParkingMD When Ian Ruder started seeing ads for ParkingMD pop up in his social media feed, he could immediately feel his blood pressure rising. The service advertised how quickly it could help someone get a disabled placard with online “doctor assistance.” He started investigating where this company came from. The answer involves the pandemic, medical marijuana and a stable of signature-happy doctors. PRODUCTS JAY LitePro Cushion Offers Lightweight Stability Sunrise Medical’s new cushion combines a contoured, closed-cell foam base that supports the thighs and outer hips with a latticed elastomer insert — think fancy, breathable rubber — that redistributes pressure away from high-risk areas like the coccyx and trochanters. It’s designed to offer stability and high-level skin protection for active users. SPONSORED CONTENT Start Saving with ABLEnow With expanded eligibility in place, ABLEnow accounts let more people save and invest without affecting certain public benefits. COMIC Please Remain Seated: DEI Camping MEDIA Easterseals Disability Film Challenge Offers 144 Short Films By Disabled Creators Some of Hollywood’s brightest disabled talents and future stars are on display in this year's Easterseals Disability Film Challenge. We talk with Andy Arias, a wheelchair user who wrote and starred in one of the films about the challenge and how it can be a catalyst for more authentic representation.

New Mobility publishes member content for United Spinal Association, whose mission is to empower wheelchair users to achieve their highest quality of life. Join here.

United Spinal Newsletter | Apr 2026

 

Our Story. Our Fight. Our Future. NYC’s Local Law 58 required building accessibility before federal law did. United Spinal — then known as EPVA — helped shape that law, providing a model for accessibility codes that would become standard across the country. Our Accessibility Services team continues to craft the standards that define accessible design, serving on the International Code Council, the U.S. Access Board and state-level code committees. We bring that expertise directly to builders, developers and architects, translating codes into real-world access. For our 80th Anniversary we’re expanding our work to Make Accessibility Part of Good Design. Visit accessibility-services.com to learn how ACS helps create spaces that work for everyone.  How to Advocate for Better Accessibility at Festivals For wheelchair users, showing up to a concert to find sloped seating, no path to the bathroom or a view of the backs of people’s heads instead of the stage is all too common. Marsha Mazz, an expert on our Accessibility Services team, breaks down what the ADA requires for wheelchair seating at public venues, how to document a violation and where to file a complaint when a venue falls short. Read More For 14 years, Roll on Capitol Hill has brought the voices of wheelchair users and disability advocates directly to Congress. This June, United Spinal Association's conference goes virtual: reaching more advocates than ever at a moment when the stakes couldn't be higher. Home and Community Based Services are under attack, and lawmakers need to hear the truth from the people who depend on them. Your donation makes that possible. Give today and help ensure every voice is heard. Newly Injured SCI Support Group This group is a safe and supportive space for individuals who are navigating life after a new spinal cord injury — within the first three years of their journey. Here, you can connect with others who understand the early stages of adjustment, share your experiences, ask questions and find encouragement. Join us for the first meeting on April 20 @ 6 pm ET. Lawsuit to Challenge Florida Law Impacting Parking Access United Spinal Association and others filed a complaint in the Northern District of Florida federal court challenging a Florida law that impacts access to disability parking spaces. The case is called United Spinal Association v. Florida Dep’t of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.  Under the Florida law that went into effect on July 1, 2025, the only requirement to receive a pregnancy parking permit is pregnancy. The applicant does not need to show any mobility impairment or other disability. As a result, thousands of Floridians without disabilities are parking in accessible spaces that, under federal law, are reserved for people with disabilities. The complaint alleges that this violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which trumps state law.  “Most people with disabilities have difficulty finding accessible parking spaces in their communities – and many skip medical, professional, and social outings because they are worried they will not be able to find parking,” said Steve Lieberman, senior director of advocacy & policy for United Spinal Association. “Accessible parking is essential to the independence and well-being of people with disabilities.”  Learn More Sponsored Content Airbnb Accessibility Academy Homes with accessibility features like step-free access are already in high demand on Airbnb — and that demand will only grow during major global events. Join us for a special session focused on accessibility ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.  If you’ve ever thought about becoming a host, this is a great place to start.  🏡 Accessibility Academy — Intro to Hosting with Accessibility Features  🗓  Wednesday, April 22, 2026  🕚 11:00 AM PDT  📍 Online (free webinar)  Register  Events Get connected with our free virtual events! Join the conversation — there's something for everyone. Click for more information and to register: • Active Project Live • Advocacy Live • Empowering Parental Caregivers • Resource Center Live • Aging with a Disability • Rolling With Pride • Social Hour • Walking Rollers • Work Readiness Program • Women with MS Connect    View All Events

Today is National AT Awareness Day

  

Assistive technology is about far more than basic needs; it is the foundation for participation, independence, safety, and dignity. It is the difference between simply surviving and truly thriving.

As we work toward a more all-encompassing future, consider these three questions:

• Personal Tech: Have you explored the built-in accessibility features on your daily devices?
• The Workplace: Does your organization actively prioritize accessible technology for all employees?
• Community: Are your public events and digital spaces fully accessible to every participant?

National AT Awareness Day reminds us that assistive technology is not a luxury—it is a necessity that opens doors to education, employment, and community life. This day is also an opportunity to recognize the dedicated professionals, educators, and advocates who work to connect individuals with the technology that best supports their goals, helping to promote dignity, independence, and opportunity for all.

At the South Carolina Assistive Technology Program, Center for Disability Resources, School of Medicine, Columbia, we reaffirm our commitment to increasing awareness of assistive technology and supporting students in accessing the tools they need to succeed. This year’s theme reminds us of “Assistive Technology. Everywhere. Everyone.”—AT impacts all of us, and awareness today helps ensure access tomorrow.

We encourage our community to learn more about assistive technology, explore available resources, and continue working together to build a more accessible and inclusive environment.

Reminder! Adapted Book Workshop-Thursday and Friday

You’re invited to an engaging and hands-on Adapted Book Workshop designed to support children with disabilities through creative, accessible literacy tools.

Hosted by the South Carolina Assistive Technology Program, this free training opportunity brings together families, educators, and professionals for an inspiring learning experience.

Participants will leave with completed adapted book kits ready to use at home, in the classroom, or to donate to a school library.

📅 Event Details

Dates: April 23–24, 2026
Session Options:

• Morning: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• Afternoon: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Location:
SC Assistive Technology Program
Center for Disability Resources
8301 Farrow Road, Poplar Building
Columbia, SC 29203

📌 Important Notes

• Registration is required (spaces are limited) sign up for 1 day and choose a time to attend.
• This training is free of charge
• Participants should bring books from the provided Wish List 
      

👉 Reserve your spot today